Statement by Nektar Baziotis at The Summit of the Future in 2024

“Access to Education is a mission. Not of miles but of minds.

Imagine a world where every person, is a vibrant seed waiting to bloom, and has fertile ground for their minds to grow. Where education, the sun that nourishes their potential, shines equally on all, regardless of the soil they’re born into.

Millions remain in the shadows, unable to exercise the right to read, to write, to dream beyond the bars of illiteracy. This is not just an injustice, it’s a ticking time bomb. For an uneducated world is a world guided by ignorance, where poverty festers, inequality reigns, and the flames of division lick at the foundations of peace.

This is not a task for governments alone, but for a global initiative of raised voices in unison. We can all make a difference by enabling equality and inclusion in education.

Studies show that every dollar invested in education brings a $13-15 return on investment. Educated populations are healthier, wealthier, and more likely to contribute positively to their communities.

Elevating global education is not a sprint, but a marathon. Every step we take, every child or student or professional we reach, brings us closer to a brighter future.

Let us build a world where education is a de-facto, where knowledge sets every soul inspired, illuminating the path to a future of shared prosperity and peace.”

Nektar Baziotis — Founder and CEO of ICARUS AI E-Learning

The Summit of the Future was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance. It aimed to reaffirm existing commitments, including those to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Charter. The goal was to move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that was better positioned to positively impact people’s lives. Building on the SDG Summit in 2023, Member States considered ways to lay the foundations for more effective global cooperation that could deal with both contemporary challenges and new threats in the future.

Learn more about The Summit of the Future in 2024 here.